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We all use toilet paper daily, but we give it little thought until it runs out. In 2023, the toilet paper industry grossed around $55 billion and is expected to reach $96.2 billion by 2036. This little roll has a lot of history behind it, weird facts, and even arguments that have crossed nations.

Toilet paper has come a long way from its royal roots to space missions. These 21 toilet paper facts will have you rolling with laughter and a newfound appreciation for this bathroom essential.

It’s Older Than You Think

Toilet paper goes surprisingly way back! Its first use was recorded in China as far back as the 6th century. Ancient Chinese texts describe using paper specifically for cleaning purposes.

Long before modern luxuries, ancient folks were already thinking about comfort in the bathroom.

The First Modern Roll

Joseph Gayetty of the United States invented commercial toilet paper in 1857. It was advertised as “medicated paper” and had his monogram on every sheet. Talk about branding! The paper was infused with aloe and sold in packs of 500 sheets for 50 cents.

Quilted or Not: Ply Matters

Ever wonder what “ply” means on a toilet paper package? It refers to how many layers are in a single sheet. Single-ply is one layer, and double-ply is two.

Some people swear by the extra softness of multi-ply paper, while others are fine with single-ply, especially if it’s cheaper.

Over or Under?

The original patent from 1891 finally put the “over or under” toilet paper roll debate to bed. It illustrated how the roll should be positioned. The correct way is over the roll. Sorry, “under” fans.

TP’s Shortage Scare Wasn’t New

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a global toilet paper shortage in 2020, as panic buying swept through stores. This wasn’t the first time! In March 1973, Stores ran out of toilet paper after a rumor went viral saying there was a shortage.

History is always bound to repeat itself. This shortage certainly brought the importance of a resilient supply chain to light.

The Ultimate Multi-Tasker

Toilet paper isn’t just for, well, the obvious. People use it for all kinds of things. It acts as a tissue substitute, a temporary fix for cleaning spills, and somehow doubles as an arts and crafts tool for school projects and DIY decorations.

It’s also at the heart of pranks like “TP-ing” houses, especially on Halloween. It could be wiping noses, cleaning messes, or fueling creativity; toilet paper proves it’s far more helpful than we give it credit!

Gold-Flaked Toilet Paper

The world’s most expensive toilet paper is made by an Australian company using 22-carat gold flakes embedded in the paper. It sells for £1,376,900 per roll, turning an everyday item into a luxurious novelty. It’s definitely not the most practical, but you’ll be the fanciest person in town.

Average Usage

The average person uses about 100 rolls of toilet paper each year, roughly 20,000 sheets. Given the environmental impact of production, many are turning to eco-friendly alternatives like recycled or bamboo toilet paper to reduce their footprint.

Space TP

Even astronauts need TP! NASA sends specially designed toilet paper to space stations. It’s a bit thinner but more durable, perfect for zero-gravity bathroom visits. Due to the challenges of zero-gravity environments, this unique toilet paper is more expensive.

The World’s Largest Roll

In 2011, Charmin broke a Guinness World Record for the world’s largest toilet paper roll. It was over 8 feet long and made of one million square feet of toilet paper! With this in the house, no worries about running out.

Hotel Presentation

In high-end hotels, folding toilet paper into a neat triangle is a subtle sign that the bathroom has been freshly cleaned. Known as “toilet paper origami,” this simple touch adds a sense of luxury and attention to detail.

Some places even create intricate designs like fans or flowers, making guests feel pampered. It’s a small but elegant gesture that signals cleanliness and care.

TP Was a Wartime Essential

During World War II, toilet paper was rationed and became a highly prized item for soldiers. Each roll was a valuable part of their kit despite being of low quality compared to today’s standards.

Toilet paper was in short supply on the military and home fronts, yet it played a significant role in helping maintain Americans’ health and morale throughout wartime.

It’s Environmentally Costly

Toilet paper production is environmentally costly, consuming millions of trees and large amounts of water and energy each year while contributing to deforestation and pollution.

To minimize these impacts, some companies now offer environmentally friendly options such as recycled or bamboo toilet paper, which lessens the requirement for logging and is healthier. Choosing these greener alternatives may help reduce our toilet paper’s impact on the environment.

Toilet Paper Conventions

Yeah, real-life conventions that are all about toilet paper do exist. World Toilet Summit! This event is where top minds gather worldwide, sharing information about sanitation solutions and toilet paper innovations.

And it is not all serious as the gathering also includes things like toilet paper fashion shows and competitions for making wedding dresses from TP! Though they may come off as strange conventions, their goals are dedicated to clean water and hygiene, green solutions, and global toileting for humanity. Who would have thought toilet paper could be so interesting?!

Global Differences

In many parts of the world, especially in Asia and the Middle East, toilet paper isn’t the go-to choice for cleanliness. Instead, bidets and water hoses are the stars of the show! Countries like Japan have high-tech bidets that offer heated seats and adjustable water pressure, turning bathroom visits into a mini spa experience.

It might be a bit of a switch for those used to toilet paper, but many who try these methods find them wonderfully effective. So, if you ever travel to a place that embraces this different approach, don’t hesitate to give it a whirl—you might just discover a new favorite way to feel fresh and clean!

National Toilet Paper Day

August 26th is National Toilet Paper Day! This quirky holiday allows us to celebrate the often-overlooked hero of our bathrooms. It’s a perfect time to appreciate how this humble roll keeps us clean and comfortable in our daily lives.

So mark your calendars and maybe stock up on your favorite TP—after all, this is a day dedicated to honoring one of our most essential household items!

Bamboo Toilet Paper

Bamboo toilet paper is among the increasingly popular eco-friendly options for consumers who want to do their part. It grows quickly and can be regrown naturally. It is frequently unbleached and not processed with harsh chemicals that are bad for your skin and our planet.

The fact that you can now find this sustainable solution in more and more brands of products, makes making the switch to bamboo TP feel like a high-five to Mother Nature! So, why not join the Great Bamboo Boom and make a positive impact with every bathroom visit?

Color and Scent

Once upon a time, colored and scented toilet paper was trending, adding a little flair and fragrance to our bathroom routines. However, they’ve largely gone out of style. People have become more aware of skin sensitivities and the environmental impact of these fancy rolls.

Now, it seems simplicity is back in fashion, with many opting for plain, gentle, and eco-friendly options. Sometimes, less really is more—even in the world of toilet paper!

Toilet Paper Trivia Games

Let’s face it: toilet paper is an essential part of life—so why not have some fun with it? Toilet paper trivia and games provide an amusing addition to any gathering or fun time you need. You can test your smarts with quirky TP trivia or hold unrolling contests where you race to unwind the paper and not rip it.

You may even be able to roll people into mummies or make toilet paper towers and see who is the best at balancing. These light-hearted games are ideal for breaking the ice, and a sure laugh riot — who knew TP could be such a life of the party?

The Science of Perforation

Have you ever thought, “How does toilet paper always tear right on that little dotted line so well?” The little perforations are explicitly created to be strong enough to hold the roll together but weak enough that it rips off just at the right point.

This balance between strength, stiffness, and softness allows the consumer to rip it in half. So, next time you pull down another part, remember—you’re experiencing the result of some serious toilet paper engineering!

The Future of Toilet Paper

The future of toilet paper could bring exciting innovations like fully biodegradable options and smart dispensers that track usage and automatically reorder supplies. These advancements aim to make toilet paper more eco-friendly and convenient, proving even bathroom essentials are going high-tech!

Disclaimer- This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information

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